Decadent Apple Crisp Cheesecake: A Fall-Inspired Delight

Apple Crisp Cheesecake is the perfect dessert to celebrate the cozy, comforting flavors of fall while indulging in the creamy richness of a cheesecake. This decadent treat brings together the tangy smoothness of a vanilla cheesecake, sweet cinnamon apples, and a crunchy oatmeal crumble, all resting on a buttery graham cracker crust. The result? A dessert that’s not only visually stunning but also a feast for your taste buds. It’s an unforgettable combination of textures, from the crisp topping to the smooth and velvety cheesecake center. Whether you’re hosting a fall gathering or simply craving something sweet, this apple crisp cheesecake will hit all the right notes.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The best part about Apple Crisp Cheesecake is its perfect balance of flavors. The graham cracker crust provides a sturdy, slightly sweet base that contrasts beautifully with the creamy, tangy cheesecake filling. The cinnamon-spiced apples, soft and tender, give you that warm, comforting autumn vibe. The oatmeal crumble topping adds a bit of crunch, making each bite an experience of contrasting textures that come together so harmoniously.

Then, there’s the salted caramel sauce—this golden drizzle not only brings sweetness but also a touch of savory, salty flavor that elevates the entire dessert. It’s the ultimate fall treat, and it’s sure to be a showstopper at your next dinner party or family gathering.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, this cheesecake is easy to make and even easier to enjoy. The recipe is straightforward with simple ingredients, but the results are nothing short of spectacular. It’s a dessert that requires a bit of patience and time for chilling, but the reward is worth every minute.

Ingredients Breakdown

Let’s take a closer look at the key ingredients that make this dessert so special.

Graham Cracker Crust
The crust forms the base for the cheesecake, providing a sweet, buttery crunch that balances the rich filling. It’s easy to make, with only a few ingredients.

• 3 cups graham crumbs – These form the foundation of the crust, offering a light, slightly sweet flavor. You can easily crush graham crackers into fine crumbs, or buy them pre-made.
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar – This adds a bit of depth to the sweetness of the crust. Brown sugar brings that molasses flavor that enhances the overall taste of the dessert.
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon – A little cinnamon goes a long way in tying all the flavors together. It subtly complements the apple filling and oatmeal topping.
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted – Butter is essential in binding the graham crumbs together and ensuring the crust holds its shape. The richness of the butter also helps make the crust melt-in-your-mouth delicious.

Cinnamon Apples
The cinnamon apples layer is the star of the show, providing that fall-inspired flavor that perfectly balances the sweetness of the cheesecake.

• 2 large apples (Granny Smith or Gala) – Granny Smith apples are tart and firm, providing a nice contrast to the sweet cheesecake. Gala apples are softer and sweeter, but either will work well in this dish. The key is to choose apples that hold their shape when baked.
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar – The brown sugar brings a deep sweetness to the apples and helps caramelize them.
• 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon – Cinnamon is the quintessential spice for this dessert. It infuses the apples with that warm, familiar flavor that’s perfect for autumn.

Crisp Topping
The oatmeal topping adds crunch and a bit of extra sweetness. It gives the dessert that “crisp” element we all love in an apple crisp, with the added bonus of buttery richness.

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour – The flour helps to form the structure of the topping, holding everything together.
• 1/2 cup brown sugar – This adds the perfect amount of sweetness to the topping while also aiding in caramelization.
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon – This adds a layer of spice to complement the apples and cheesecake.
• 1/2 cup quick oats – Oats add the desired crunch and texture. Quick oats work best here as they soften slightly during baking but still retain some bite.
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted – The butter ensures that the topping is golden, crispy, and rich.

Cheesecake Batter
The cheesecake layer is the heart and soul of the dessert. This rich, velvety filling is what makes this recipe stand out.

• 24 ounces full-fat cream cheese, room temperature – Cream cheese is the base of any cheesecake, and using full-fat cream cheese ensures a smooth, creamy texture.
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar – Granulated sugar adds the right amount of sweetness to the filling.
• 1/4 cup brown sugar – Brown sugar complements the vanilla and cinnamon flavors, providing a deeper sweetness to the cheesecake batter.
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon – This ties the flavors of the cheesecake together, enhancing the warmth of the cinnamon apples.
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (or 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour) – Cornstarch or flour helps the cheesecake batter set and prevents it from being too runny.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Vanilla adds a sweet, aromatic flavor that rounds out the taste of the cheesecake.
• 1/2 cup sour cream, room temperature – Sour cream adds tang and richness to the batter, balancing the sweetness.
• 3 large eggs, room temperature – Eggs are essential for giving the cheesecake its structure and smooth texture.
• Boiling water for the water bath – A water bath ensures even baking and helps prevent the cheesecake from cracking.

To Serve

• Salted caramel sauce – A drizzle of salted caramel sauce takes this cheesecake to the next level, adding a perfect sweet and salty contrast.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Graham Cracker Crust

Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (160°C). Combine graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter in a bowl. Mix everything together until the crumbs are evenly coated. Press this mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan, ensuring it’s compact and even. Bake the crust for about 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and set aside to cool.

Step 2: Make the Cinnamon Apples

While the crust cools, prepare the cinnamon apples. Peel, core, and slice the apples into thin wedges. Toss the apple slices with brown sugar and cinnamon in a medium bowl until they are well-coated. Set them aside to soak in the flavors.

Step 3: Make the Crisp Topping

In a separate bowl, mix the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and oats. Add the melted butter and stir until the mixture resembles crumbles. Set this topping aside for later.

Step 4: Prepare the Cheesecake Batter

Now, it’s time to make the cheesecake filling. Beat the room-temperature cream cheese in a large bowl until smooth. Add the granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, and cornstarch, and beat until fully combined. Add the vanilla extract and sour cream, then mix again until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing gently after each addition. Be careful not to overmix, as this can incorporate air into the batter, which might cause the cheesecake to crack during baking.

Step 5: Assemble the Cheesecake

Once the crust has cooled, pour the cheesecake batter into the springform pan. Carefully layer the cinnamon apples over the cheesecake batter, spreading them evenly. Sprinkle the oat crisp topping on top of the apples.

Step 6: Bake the Cheesecake

Place the springform pan inside a large roasting pan. Pour boiling water into the roasting pan, about halfway up the sides of the cheesecake pan. This water bath ensures the cheesecake bakes evenly and prevents cracking. Bake the cheesecake for about 55 minutes. The edges should be set, but the center will still jiggle slightly. Turn off the oven and allow the cheesecake to cool in the oven for an hour. This gradual cooling prevents the cheesecake from cracking.

Step 7: Chill the Cheesecake

After the cheesecake has cooled to room temperature, remove it from the water bath and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, or preferably overnight. The cheesecake will firm up as it chills, and the flavors will develop.

Step 8: Serve

When you’re ready to serve, carefully remove the cheesecake from the springform pan. Drizzle with salted caramel sauce for that extra touch of decadence. Slice, serve, and enjoy!

Tips for Success

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your cream cheese, eggs, and sour cream are at room temperature before starting. This will help them blend more easily and prevent a lumpy batter.
• Avoid Overmixing: When adding the eggs, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can introduce too much air into the batter, which can cause cracks in the cheesecake.
• Apple Prep: Use apples that hold their shape when baked, such as Granny Smith or Gala. If you prefer a sweeter apple flavor, you can try Honeycrisp or Braeburn.
• Water Bath: The water bath is essential to ensure the cheesecake bakes evenly and does not crack. Don’t skip this step, even if it seems like extra work. It helps to create a moist environment that prevents over-baking.
• Chill for the Best Results: Let your cheesecake chill for at least 6 hours, but preferably overnight. This allows the flavors to deepen and the texture to firm up, making it easier to slice.
• Topping Variations: If you like nuts, consider adding chopped pecans or walnuts to the crumble topping for extra crunch.
• Flavor Variations: If you’re in the mood for a twist, swap the cinnamon apples for caramelized pears or roasted berries for a unique take on the classic.

Conclusion

Apple Crisp Cheesecake is the perfect dessert to enjoy during the cooler months. It combines the best of both worlds: the rich, creamy texture of cheesecake with the comforting flavors of apple crisp. Each bite is a delightful experience of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors, with a mix of creamy, crunchy, and soft textures. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or simply to treat yourself, this cheesecake is guaranteed to impress. So go ahead—gather your ingredients, follow the easy steps, and indulge in this fall-inspired dessert that’s sure to become a family favorite.